Why is health information security so important? And how can healthcare industries ensure that their patients’ records are safe? Let’s get to know more.
How Important Is Health Information Security?
The Healthcare industry’s goal is to provide quality patient care. To achieve that goal, healthcare organizations invested in technology and highly-educated personnel. But still, many failed to invest in information security management programs.
Well, security programs in healthcare are very important. Especially these days. Indeed, we often hear headlines after headlines report of healthcare data breaches. Almost daily. Thus, compromising Protected Health Information and affecting millions of patients.
That’s why healthcare institutions need to focus on information security. To protect valuable healthcare and patient information.
Health Breaches
It’s obvious why healthcare data breaches happen. Malicious hackers want to steal financial data. They’re simply after for some sort of financial gain.
When compromising financial data, the issue is you can change easily the card number. As well as PINs and account information. For Protected Health Information, its long-term value makes it attractive to malicious hackers.
3 Top Reasons Why Health Information Security Is Important
#1: Healthcare Industry Is Highly Regulated
In America, the healthcare industries are one of the most regulated. That’s the reason why we always see reports of healthcare data breaches in the media.
Also, healthcare industries follow HIPAA Security, Privacy, and Breach Notification requirements. As well as other state laws protecting the Protected Health Information.
But to provide quality patient care, healthcare industries must invest in security. For their people, processes, and infrastructure.
#2: Healthcare Industries Are Dependent On New Technologies
From artificial hearts to mobile applications. These would not be possible without advanced technologies. But, the introduction of new technologies also increases risks.
Cyber attackers might use the vulnerabilities of these technologies. So medical manufacturers must take into account the cyber risks. That’s associated with their products.
#3: Healthcare Industries Are Openly Reliant On Humans
For most reports of healthcare data breaches, human error is one of the triggering cause. One common example is that employees end up victims of phishing attempts.
So, creating a robust information security management program is a top priority. And healthcare industries must establish and maintain such security programs.
What Is HIPAA?
The HIPAA means “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996”. This establishes the requirements for keeping your health information secure.
Additionally, it requires healthcare providers. As well as health plans to safeguard your health information. And both apply to paper and electronic records.
When a breach happens, the “HIPAA Breach Notification Rule” asks doctors. To notify you of the breach. Especially if someone saw the unsecured information about you.
Besides, federal law requires them also to notify. The “Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services”. Then, if the breach affects more than 500 people, they must notify the media and the public.
This move helps patients know if there is a breach of unsecured information. Also, healthcare providers don’t have to report unauthorized access to encrypted data. The encrypted information is secure.
